DOMAINE JOUSSET 12 ROSE PETILLANT NATUREL EXILE
(VDF)

Ripe, high quality fruit is the key to making this "pink lady" the most alluring Cabernet Franc-based bubbly we have ever had. All the juice was fermented in 400L 8 year-old barrels. Bottling took place in February 2013 and disgorgement in July 2013. Shimmering dark with a very fine perlage its aromas present a veritable basket of raspberries, strawberries, and red currant aromas joined by top notes of roses and vanilla. The pristine palate mirrors the red fruit bouquet but is bolstered by undertones of citrus and limestone. A primo patio quaffer if there ever was one.

Bertrand Jousset is a passionate, larger than life (he looks to be about six foot six) Loire Valley vigneron. Bertrand and his wife Lise are part of a vanguard of young wine producers that are revitalizing the Mount Louis wine scene. Located in Touraine on the left bank of the Loire River opposite from Vouvray, Mount Louis features old vines and relatively inexpensive land making it something of a Mecca for a new generation of winery startups. Loire Valley natives, the Joussets had always dreamed of working with Chenin Blanc. That dream seemed far off until suddenly in 2003 they happened upon a small, run-down estate for rent that offered great potential. The property featured an historic ridge top chateau with three levels to facilitate gravity flow winemaking. More importantly, the property possessed 26 acres of old vines averaging 60 years of age. After nearly a decade of moonlighting and scrimping, the couple was able to assume ownership of the estate. Their vineyards are divided into 25 garden-sized parcels planted primarily to Chenin Blanc rounded out with small holdings of Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grolleau, and Chardonnay. Bertrand mainly overseas the grape farming which is strictly organic. He also follows an aggressive pruning schedule to limit yields and takes extra time and care to field sort his fruit at harvest to ensure that only the healthiest grapes make it to the crusher. The winery is Liseâs relm where she follows a non-intervention regime that includes fermentation with native yeasts, minimal application of SO2, and clarification without filtration.